Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD)

ABSTRACT

An Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) in a physical wireless network alerts to a problematic crowd risk using location based services (LBS). An Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) comprises a Network Monitor, a Crowd Risk Determinant and an Alert Module. The Network Monitor monitors wireless traffic for a potential viral event, associated with a formation of a plurality of wireless devices. The Crowd Risk Determinant requests location information associated with a plurality of wireless devices in a given area regarding a respective viral event. The Crowd Risk Determinant determines if the viral event also indicates a crowd safety risk, based on the shape and movement of observed wireless devices. The Alert Module triggers an alert of an impending crowd problem when crowd risk is above a given threshold. Historical databases are empirically determined and maintained in the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) for use in viral event and crowd risk assessment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to wireless telecommunications. More particularly, it relates to cell location services, cell network trafficking and analysis of location information.

2. Background of Related Art

Location based applications obtain a geographic position of a particular wireless device and provide services accordingly. Location based services (LBS) prevail in today's market due to an incorporation of tracking technology in handheld devices.

Location based pull services allow a wireless device user to locate another wireless device. Current location services are generally focused on individual wireless device user applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a method of alerting to a problematic crowd risk in a given geographical location, comprises an Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD). The Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) utilizes location based services (LBS) to analyze aggregate location information pertaining to a multitude of wireless devices, to detect potential crowd risks.

An Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) resides in a physical network server, in accordance with the present invention, and comprises three main components: a Network Monitor, a Crowd Risk Determinant, and an Alert Module.

The Network Monitor monitors a wireless network for indication of a possible impending viral event, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In particular, the Network Monitor utilizes location based services (LBS) to monitor the formation of a plurality of wireless devices at a given point in a wireless network, e.g., a given base station (BS). The Network Monitor compares obtained traffic parameters pertaining to monitored wireless traffic, with historical traffic parameters having to do with crowd risk determination, to determine if a viral event may be occurring or impending. A snapshot look at current location data collected by the Network Monitor is subsequently logged in an appropriate historical database.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the Crowd Risk Determinant analyzes location information to determine if a viral event triggered by the Network Monitor, also indicates a crowd safety risk. In particular, the Crowd Risk Determinant initiates a location request to obtain location information pertaining to a multitude of wireless devices in a given area, regarding a viral event that has been triggered by the Network Monitor. The Crowd Risk Determinant compares the viral pattern formed by the shape and movement of wireless devices in locations observed, with predetermined risk rules to determine if the viral event is also a crowd safety risk. The observed viral pattern is subsequently logged in an appropriate historical database.

The Alert Module, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, alerts proper authorities in an event of a crowd safety risk. The Crowd Risk Determinant triggers the Alert Module to alert of an impending crowd problem when crowd risk has exceeded a given threshold.

The Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) utilizes historical databases, in accordance with the present invention, to maintain location-based information indicating possible viral events associated with a plurality of wireless devices. Historical databases include an Acceptable/Non-Acceptable Crowd Shape database, a Configurable Parameter Threshold database, a Historical Wireless Device Location Trends database, and a Risk Rules database.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD), in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts the flow of an exemplary Network Monitor of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD), in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts the flow of an exemplary Crowd Risk Determinant of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD), in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts the flow of an exemplary Alert Module of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD), in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 denotes first exemplary Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) location results, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6 denotes second exemplary Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) location results, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 7 denotes third exemplary Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) location results, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Thus far, location capabilities have been concerned with locating an individual wireless device. Yet, there is such a vast abundance of individuals populating the nation's major cities. The present inventor has appreciated the benefits of using location based services (LBS) to obtain sets of aggregate location data corresponding to a number and pattern of wireless devices within an area, region, city, etc. of interest.

The present invention introduces an Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD), an analytical server utilizing location based services (LBS) on a network to predict public safety risks, e.g., the unexpected impending formation of a flash mob, or a riot, etc.

The Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) analyzes a bird's-eye view of people formation, presuming those individuals possess respective handheld wireless devices that permit collection of current location information, whether that current location information be obtained from the wireless devices themselves, and/or from a network-based location server.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) predicts public safety risk in a given geographical area through evaluation of the positioning and movement of wireless devices. The Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) monitors wireless device network traffic to predict an impending viral event. If a possible impending viral event is sensed from a general monitoring of wireless traffic, the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) may request impending viral location information pertaining to clusters of wireless devices in a vicinity of the possible event, to more accurately assess crowd risk.

Crowd risk is assessed based upon given wireless network traffic parameters such as the number of wireless devices in communication with a given base station (e.g., a density), the shape formed by representations of the individual locations of the densest areas where active wireless devices are currently located, and/or the movement of the wireless devices within the region as defined.

Markers, each representing a wireless device at a given location at a given time, may be displayed on a display of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD). The markers may represent wireless devices served within the given region, whether actively communicating with another wireless device, or merely sensed as present.

The present invention preferably provides an alert of a possible impending crowd related public safety risk in real time, as the crowd risk arises, informing emergency personnel as early as possible, even before such event is consummated.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, an Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 determines crowd safety risk with the help of location based services (LBS) 318, as depicted in FIG. 1.

The Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 is generally based in a server in a wireless network 322. Three main components form the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400: a Network Monitor 302, a Crowd Risk Determinant 304, and an Alert Module 306.

The Network Monitor 302 begins the risk determination process of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 by monitoring the network for indication of a possible viral event, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Determination of a viral event is the first step in the escalation-based response of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400.

The Crowd Risk Determinant 304 assesses location information pertaining to a possible viral event triggered by the Network Monitor 302. The Crowd Risk Determinant 304 determines if a viral event also indicates a public safety risk.

The Alert Module 306 performs predetermined responsive measures to alert appropriate public safety personnel 320 in the event of a possible or probable or current public safety risk.

Historical databases are empirically determined and maintained in the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 for use in crowd risk assessment. The historical databases preferably store sets of aggregate current location information pertaining to trackable wireless devices. Exemplary historical databases accessible by the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 include but are not limited to a Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312, a Configurable Parameter Threshold database 310, a Risk Rules database 314, and an Acceptable/Non-Acceptable Crowd Shape database 308.

The Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312, as shown in FIG. 1, preferably stores sets of instantaneous aggregate location information obtained over a period of time. Data stored in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312 provides empirical evaluation of crowd activities used to detect a crowd trend. The Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 preferably uses data stored in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312 to determine if a current situation is considered to be ‘normal’ to the monitored area, or abnormal, triggering a viral event. The data maintained in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312 is preferably refreshed over time.

The Configurable Parameter Threshold database 310, as depicted in FIG. 1, preferably comprises a set of configurable location-based parameters and thresholds including density, clustering, spread, geographical boundary, motion trends, and/or special events occurring in particular areas. The Configurable Parameter Threshold database 310 can also include non-location based parameters such as time of day and/or message content. The parameters stored in the Configurable Parameter Threshold database 310 are accessed by the Network Monitor 302 to assist in detecting a viral event.

The Risk Rules database 314, as shown in FIG. 1, preferably comprises a set of configurable location-based parameters and thresholds including density, clustering, spread, geographical boundary, motion trends, and/or special events occurring in particular areas. The Risk Rules database 314 can also include non-location based parameters such as time of day and/or message content. The parameters stored in the Risk Rules database 314 are accessed by the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 to assist in determining if a viral event also indicates a public safety risk.

The Acceptable/Non-Acceptable Crowd Shape database 308, as shown in FIG. 1, holds empirically determined past, historical cluster information regarding acceptable and/or non-acceptable past shape formations of clustered wireless devices. Specific shape parameters stored in the Acceptable/Non-Acceptable Crowd Shape database 308 are accessed by the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 to assist in determining if a viral event also indicates a public safety risk.

A viral event is the first state of alarm in the multi-state risk determination process of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400. A viral event is defined as occurring when one or more predefined parameter thresholds have been surpassed, as determined in the exemplary embodiment in the Network Monitor 302. The occurrence of a viral event does not necessarily infer a definite public safety risk. Instead, a viral event triggers the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 to further analyze a potentially malignant event more closely. For example, the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 provides a closer inspection of aggregate current location information, e.g., via use of a location-based push/pull service. A match of more detailed location information to a historical pattern leading to crowd risk may determine that a particular viral event also indicates a likely public safety risk.

A public safety risk confirms a compromise in crowd safety, e.g., the impending formation of a flash mob, or a riot, etc. Determination of a public safety risk triggers the Alert Module 306 to implement proper public safety response services.

The Network Monitor 302 begins the risk determination process of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400, by monitoring the network for indication of a possible viral event, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Moreover, the Network Monitor 302 retrieves subsequent sets of instantaneous aggregate location information. Location information triggered by the Network Monitor 302 may be portrayed in the form of snapshots displayed on a display of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400. Snapshots by the Network Monitor 302 comprise markers, each representing the location of individual wireless devices within a given region being monitored.

The Network Monitor 302 preferably obtains information regarding the number of wireless devices in a geographical area, at a given time, supported by a particular wireless network carrier (e.g., the number of wireless devices sending messages over a wireless network via a particular base station (BS) 324). The Network Monitor 302 uses predefined parameters and thresholds to determine if the monitored network indicates that a viral event may be occurring or impending (e.g., surpassed parameter thresholds possibly indicative of an excessive number and/or use of wireless devices for a given area, cell tower, etc.).

For instance, a Maximum Number of Devices parameter may indicate the maximum number of wireless devices that may be present within range of a particular base station (BS) 324 at a given time before a possible viral event is triggered. The Maximum Number of Devices parameter may be set manually, or empirically determined (e.g., the average number of devices present at a particular base station (BS) 324 over a course of time, as determined by historical data stored in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312).

The Network Monitor 302 triggers a possible viral event if a predefined parameter threshold has been surpassed (e.g., a given density of current location markers each representing a separate wireless device, or a directed convergence of at least two highly dense clusters of markers toward each other at a significant rate of speed is or has occurred, etc.).

The Network Monitor 302 preferably tallies the number of wireless devices in each instantaneous aggregate location snapshot that is captured. Predetermined parameters and thresholds are used to assess the number (e.g., the density) of wireless devices in a particular area to determine whether or not a possible viral event is occurring.

The Maximum Number of Devices parameter may alternatively be set to indicate the maximum number of wireless devices that may be present in an instantaneous aggregate location snapshot before a possible viral event is triggered. If the number of devices present in a given snapshot exceeds the Maximum Value of Devices parameter established for the respective location, a viral event may be triggered.

The Network Monitor 302 also preferably tallies the difference in the number of wireless devices in a given area, from one consecutive instantaneous aggregate location snapshot to the next. If the difference in the number of wireless devices from snapshot to snapshot exceeds a predefined value in a number of consecutive snapshots for a given area, base station, etc., then a viral event may be triggered. Thresholds for such a predefined Maximum Difference in Number of Wireless Devices parameter and a predefined Interval of Consecutive Snapshots parameter may be set manually, or empirically determined (e.g., the average difference in number of devices in consecutive instantaneous aggregate location snapshots capturing a particular area, e.g., a number of square feet, a particular base station (BS), etc., over a course of time, supported by a particular network carrier, as recorded in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312).

FIG. 2 depicts the flow of an exemplary Network Monitor 302 of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, as shown in step 500 of FIG. 2, the Network Monitor 302 preferably continuously, or at least periodically or intermittently, monitors network traffic.

In step 510, monitored wireless data traffic is inspected for the presence of abnormal events, e.g., excessive volume for the time of day, etc. Configurable thresholds for the monitored parameters may be dynamic over the course of the day and even for traffic for any given tower or base station. The configurable thresholds for monitored parameters may be stored in the Configurable Parameter Threshold database 310.

As shown in step 520, if one or more parameter thresholds are exceeded, a viral event may be triggered. In response, the Network Monitor 302 triggers the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 to perform a location-based push/pull service to determine the location of each trackable wireless device within a particular geographic area (e.g., communicating through given base stations or antennas).

When parameter thresholds are not surpassed, indicating that a viral event is not occurring, location data may be logged in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312, as depicted in step 530. Location data logged in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312 may be used by the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 for future analyses of crowd risk.

FIG. 3 depicts the flow of an exemplary Crowd Risk Determinant 304 of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 performs a location-based push/pull service to obtain location information pertaining to trackable wireless devices in a given area regarding a respective viral event triggered by the Network Monitor 302, as shown in step 540 of FIG. 3.

In step 550, collected location data is analyzed to assess the viral event that is occurring. The Crowd Risk Determinant 304 uses bounds and priorities set forth in the Risk Rules database 314 to determine if a possible viral event indicates a public safety risk. A viral pattern may or may not imply public safety risk. In step 560, if a public safety risk is determined, the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 triggers the Alert Module 306 to take responsive public safety measures. Location data associated with a public safety risk is logged 530 in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312.

If the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 confirms that a particular viral event does not indicate a public safety risk, the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 is triggered to routinely log location data 530 in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312 for potential future analyses.

Determinaton of a public safety risk in the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 triggers the Alert Module 306 to implement proper public safety response services. An Alert Module 306 is the final step in the risk determination process of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400.

FIG. 4 depicts the flow of an exemplary Alert Module 306 of the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, as shown in step 700 of FIG. 4, the Alert Module 306 is triggered by the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 and supplied the predetermined conditions constituting how to handle a determined public safety risk.

The Alert Module 306 immediately alerts the proper authorities 320 in the presence of a public safety risk, as depicted in step 710.

Subsequent aggregate data collections may be made by the Alert Module 306 in step 720. A particular public safety event may be programmed to result in multiple aggregate location data collections, set to occur at specific intervals. Moreover, a particular risk determination result may be configured to act as a triggered push/pull service 540 to acquire additional location data. Subsequent location information is routinely logged in the Historical Wireless Devices Location Trends and Statistics database 530.

Configurable parameters are maintained in the Risk Rules database 314 to assist the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 in determining if location information pertaining to a viral event indicates a likely public safety risk. Factors for risk determination include but are not limited to the shape a cluster of location markers representing individual wireless devices of given density is forming, whether or not markers are spreading out or coming together, and/or at what rate of change a cluster of wireless devices is moving. Factors for risk determination also include the behavior of collective XY location coordinates of the most dense clusters of wireless devices, to where the most dense clusters of wireless devices of concern are moving, and/or whether or not a cluster of wireless devices in a particular location makes sense given the time of day.

For instance, empirical data may indicate that it is unusual for there to be a large number of wireless devices present downtown after business hours, or after a time when local bars and clubs have closed for the night. In this case, a configurable threshold may be set for a combination of location and time of day parameters (e.g., to articulate the number of wireless devices that must be present within a defined downtown region, after a given hour) to trigger a public safety risk. A configurable parameter threshold (e.g., specifying the number of wireless devices capable of inhabiting a particular geographic expanse or particular shape of device formation, or a given density within that region) may manually or empirically be set. If a parameter threshold is surpassed, the Crowd Risk Determinant 304 informs the Alert Module 306 of the development of a public safety risk.

The shape of a cluster of wireless devices may often offer significant clues to crowd risk potential. When location information is collected, the best-fit shape of dense clusters formed by accumulation of wireless devices in a given area may be determined. The best-fit shape of a cluster of wireless devices may be compared against data contained in the historical Acceptable/Non-Acceptable Crowd Shape database 308 to determine danger potential. Different thresholds may be set for like parameters based on varying location.

FIG. 5 denotes first exemplary Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 location results, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, the large oval shape 101 formed by markers representing individual wireless devices in the given geographical area 200 shown in FIG. 5, may be interpreted as a group of individuals enjoying a sporting event in a stadium. Factors to consider are time of day and scheduled events. The example in FIG. 5 uses precise location.

FIG. 6 denotes second exemplary Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 location results, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, the pattern 102 in the geographical area 200 shown in FIG. 6 may be interpreted as cell sites pertaining to trackable individuals, assuming most individuals carry wireless devices. The same pattern may mean different things at different hours of the day. The exemplary location result shown in FIG. 6 uses coarse location.

FIG. 7 denotes third exemplary Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 location results, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, the crescent shape 103 in the geographical area 200 shown in FIG. 7 is recognized as a pattern to be wary of. This crescent shape may represent a variety of different occurrences (e.g., a protest in front of a given location such as a court house, a famous author at a bookstore, etc.). The exemplary location result shown in FIG. 7 uses precise location.

A rate-based parameter threshold may also or alternatively be set to define an acceptable rate at which wireless devices would otherwise normally inhabit a geographic area. For instance, if over a certain number of wireless devices enter an area in under a given amount of time (e.g., if three hundred wireless devices rush into a central pre-defined location in under ten minutes) then a public safety risk may be triggered.

Message content may be analyzed as an attribute for risk determination in response to a viral traffic event. For instance, a determination of the most frequent phrases may be matched against a database of suspected terms (e.g., “meet at the Lincoln Memorial”, etc.).

Motion trends are also analyzed to assess crowd risk. The Crowd Risk Determinant 304 preferably determines whether the accumulation of wireless devices is becoming more or less dense about a central location and whether or not this behavior is expected based on trends and configured thresholds established for particular locations.

Precise accuracy of each individual device location is not extremely important in the present invention. Instead, focus lies in the volume, density, shape and movement of data points collected. Serving cell tower locations for each wireless device may be sufficient to satisfy initial triggering requirements for a possible viral event. The Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 is concerned with aggregate location data as opposed to data involving individual device locations. Data regarding parameters such as special events, geographical boundaries, motion trends, density, clustering, spread, time of day and/or message content relating to trackable wireless devices are recorded in the Historical Wireless Device Location Trends and Statistics database 312, as opposed to exact locations of specific wireless devices. Anonymity regarding precise locations of specific wireless devices alleviates some concern surrounding the privacy of individuals during location based services (LBS), as used within the present invention.

An Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 has benefit to entities other than emergency management and crowd risk assessment parties. For instance, the present invention may also be used to estimate location trends in cities, to rank areas such as parks and beaches by volume of visitors, and even to peg traffic patterns. Historical crowd data need not represent a public safety issue, e.g., it may merely relate to city planning or disaster recovery. Thus, data collected while scanning for crowd risk provides cities, states and government with valuable information.

Though, preferably all wireless devices in a given area would be monitored for crowd gathering tendencies, it is also within the principles of the present invention to monitor only those devices by the relevant wireless carrier providing Location Dynometer (ALD) 400 services.

The present invention greatly benefits police, fire and general emergency response personnel 320 desiring early warning about possible crowd related risks, e.g., riots. Moreover, the present invention is intended to combat nefarious cell technology to spawn mobs and riots without resorting to network restrictions.

While the invention makes use of the current location data of preferably all wireless devices within a given region, area, etc., the invention also preferably makes distinction between the current mode of operation of the wireless devices being analyzed for a possible public safety risk. For instance, analysis of the density, shape, movement, etc. in determining a possible public safety risk may analyze only wireless devices in active mode.

While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments of the invention without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An aggregate location dynometer in a physical wireless network server, said aggregate location dynometer comprising: a network monitor to monitor a wireless network for an indication of a possible viral event; a crowd risk determinant to assess location information pertaining to a possible viral event triggered by said network monitor; and an alert module to alert in an event of a public safety risk determined from an analysis of said possible viral event. 2-12. (canceled) 